What are the payouts and odds in roulette?

Roulette payouts are based on your bet’s probability, from 1:1 for even-money bets like Red or Black up to 35:1 for a single number. European Roulette has better odds for players (2.7% house edge) than American Roulette (5.26% house edge) because it has only one zero, which directly impacts your long-term winning chances.

Table of contents

• What are the payouts in roulette?
• What is the difference between inside and outside bets?
• How do you calculate a roulette payout?
• Which roulette version gives you better odds?
• Is there a strategy to improve roulette payouts?
• What common mistakes should you avoid?
• What are some alternatives to roulette?
• A quick recap of roulette payouts
• Roulette payouts frequently asked questions

What are the payouts in roulette?

Short answer: Payouts range from 1:1 for bets with a nearly 50% chance of winning, up to 35:1 for a single number bet, which is the riskiest. The lower the probability of your bet winning, the higher the payout from the casino.

Understanding the payout for each bet is the first step to playing smarter. An “even-money” bet on Red has a much higher chance of hitting than a bet on the number 17, so the casino pays out much less for it. This trade-off between risk and reward is what makes the game exciting. Below is a full chart detailing every bet you can make in both European and American roulette, so you can see exactly what you stand to win.

Complete roulette payout chart

What is the difference between inside and outside bets?

Short answer: Inside bets are placed on specific numbers inside the betting grid and have high payouts but low winning odds. Outside bets are placed on the outer sections of the grid for broader categories like colours or number groups, offering low payouts but much better odds of winning.

Thinking about bets in terms of volatility can really help manage your money. Inside bets are high-volatility: you won’t win often, but when you do, the payout is big. Outside bets are low-volatility: you’ll get frequent, small wins that can keep you playing for longer. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to stick mostly to outside bets while you get a feel for the game’s pace.

Inside vs. outside bets at a glance

Inside bets: High risk, high reward

These are the bets you place directly on the numbers. They’re exciting because the potential return is huge. If you hit a Straight Up bet on your favourite number, you get paid 35 times your stake. It’s the lottery ticket of roulette bets. They are perfect for players who enjoy the thrill of high-reward games.

• Straight Up: A bet on a single number (e.g., 7). Pays 35:1.
• Split: A bet on two adjacent numbers (e.g., 8 and 9). Pays 17:1.
• Street: A bet on a row of three numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Pays 11:1.
• Corner: A bet on a block of four numbers (e.g., 25, 26, 28, 29). Pays 8:1.
• Six Line: A bet on two adjacent streets (six numbers total). Pays 5:1.

Outside bets: Low risk, steady play

These bets don’t involve specific numbers but rather properties of those numbers. They are found on the “outside” of the number grid. Because they cover large portions of the wheel, your chances of winning are much higher. This makes them a great foundation for any roulette session. If you prefer this style of play, you can find more strategic options in our full library.

• Red or Black: A bet on which colour the winning number will be. Pays 1:1.
• Odd or Even: A bet on whether the number will be odd or even. Pays 1:1.
• High or Low: A bet on whether the number will be in the 1-18 range or the 19-36 range. Pays 1:1.
• Columns or Dozens: A bet on one of the three columns or three dozens of 12 numbers. Pays 2:1.

How do you calculate a roulette payout?

Short answer: To calculate your total payout, multiply your bet amount by the first number in the payout ratio, and then add your original stake back to that total. For a R10 bet on a single number (35:1), the calculation is (R10 x 35) + R10 = R360.

It’s easy to get confused and think a 35:1 payout means you just get R350 on a R10 bet. But the casino always returns your original winning stake on top of the profit. Thinking of it as “profit + original bet” makes it simple. Let’s walk through another example.

A simple ZAR example

Imagine you’re at a table and you place a R50 chip on a Corner bet. A Corner bet covers four numbers and has a payout of 8:1.

1. Identify your stake: R50
2. Identify the payout ratio: 8:1
3. Calculate the profit: R50 (your stake) x 8 (the payout) = R400 in profit.
4. Add your original stake back: R400 (profit) + R50 (original stake) = R450.

The dealer would push R450 in chips toward you. You made a R400 profit from your R50 bet.

Which roulette version gives you better odds?

Short answer: European Roulette is always better for the player. Its single ‘0’ gives the house a 2.7% edge. American Roulette has a ‘0’ and a ’00’, which almost doubles the house edge to a hefty 5.26%.

Why does one little extra pocket make such a huge difference? Think of the zeros as a “tax” the casino takes when you lose. In European Roulette, there’s one “tax” pocket. In American Roulette, there are two. This means that over thousands of spins, the American wheel will keep about 5.26% of all money bet, while the European wheel only keeps 2.7%. For every R1000 you bet, you’re expected to lose R52.60 on an American wheel versus just R27 on a European one. It really adds up. You’ll find both versions at many of our live dealer tables, so always look for the single-zero layout.

European vs. American roulette: a head-to-head breakdown

Is there a strategy to improve roulette payouts?

Short answer: No betting strategy can beat the house edge or guarantee a win in roulette. The best strategies focus on managing your money, choosing the right game, and understanding bet volatility to extend your playtime and fun.

Many websites promote betting systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after every loss) or Fibonacci. The problem is these systems don’t change the odds of the wheel. A long losing streak, which is very possible, can wipe out your entire bankroll in minutes. A much safer and more effective approach is to manage yourself, not the bets.

Our top 3 practical tips

1. Always Pick European Roulette: This is the single most important choice you can make. You instantly cut the house edge in half, giving yourself a much better statistical chance over time.
2. Match Bets to Your Bankroll: If you have R500 to play with, stick to low-volatility outside bets. This gives you a good chance of having a longer session. If you have a larger bankroll and are happy to risk it for a big win, then you can afford to place some high-volatility inside bets.
3. Set Clear Limits in ZAR: Before you even place your first bet, decide on a loss limit (e.g., “I will stop if I lose R400”) and a win goal (e.g., “I will cash out if I’m up R800”). Stick to them no matter what. Using a welcome bonus can give you extra funds to start with, but the principle of setting limits remains the same. T&Cs apply.

What common mistakes should you avoid?

Short answer: The biggest mistakes are chasing losses with bigger bets, playing the American version of the game, not understanding the odds of your bets, and playing without a strict budget in mind.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment. The ball is spinning, the chips are down, and you feel like your number is “due.” But the wheel has no memory. Every spin is independent. Avoiding emotional decisions is key to having a good time and playing responsibly.

A quick checklist of what not to do

• Don’t chase your losses: This is the fastest way to lose your bankroll. Stick to your budget.
• Don’t believe in “hot” or “cold” numbers: Each spin is a random event. Past results don’t influence future ones.
• Don’t play American Roulette if a European table is available: You’re just giving the house a bigger advantage for no reason.
• Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose: Treat your gambling budget like you would money for a movie or a night out. It’s for entertainment.
• Don’t rely on betting systems: They can’t overcome the house edge and often encourage risky betting patterns.

What are some alternatives to roulette?

Short answer: If you enjoy the classic casino feel but want more strategy, Blackjack is a great choice. For players who like simple, chance-based fun with quick payouts, games like Plinko or our vast collection of online slots offer endless variety.

Roulette is fantastic, but it’s not for everyone. Sometimes you might want a game where your decisions have a greater impact on the outcome, or you might just want a change of pace. Exploring other casino games can help you find what you enjoy most.

Other games you might enjoy at WildTornado

• Blackjack: A card game where you try to beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. It involves skill and strategy.
• Slots: The easiest games to play. Just spin the reels and hope to land a winning combination. They come in thousands of different themes and styles.
• Baccarat: A simple and elegant card game where you bet on which of two hands, the “Player” or the “Banker”, will be closer to nine.

A quick recap of roulette payouts

Short answer: Your main goal is to pick the right table and the right bets for your budget. Everything else is down to luck. Keep these key points in mind next time you play at WildTornado.

• Payouts are directly tied to risk. High risk (like a single number) means a high 35:1 payout. Low risk (like Red/Black) means a low 1:1 payout.
• Always choose European (single zero) over American (double zero) roulette. The house edge is nearly twice as low (2.7% vs 5.26%).
• Inside bets are high-volatility (big wins, less frequent), while outside bets are low-volatility (small wins, more frequent).
• Your best strategy isn’t a betting system, it’s managing your bankroll in ZAR and setting strict win/loss limits before you play.
• You can calculate your total return by multiplying your stake by the payout ratio, then adding the original stake back.

Roulette payouts frequently asked questions

Short answer: Here are fast answers to the most common questions South African players ask us about how roulette payouts work.

What is the highest payout in roulette?

The highest payout is 35:1 for a Straight Up bet, which is a bet on a single number. If you bet R100 on the number 17 and it wins, you would receive your R100 stake back plus R3,500 in winnings for a total of R3,600.

Does the 0 pay in roulette?

Yes, you can bet on the green 0 (and 00 in American roulette) just like any other number. A winning bet on 0 pays 35:1. However, if the ball lands on 0 and you have placed any outside bets (like Red/Black, Odd/Even), those bets lose. This is how the house gets its edge.

Are online roulette payouts fair?

Yes, at licensed and regulated online casinos like WildTornado, the payouts are fair. Our games use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that every spin is completely random and independent, mimicking the physics of a real-world wheel. These RNGs are regularly audited by third-party agencies for fairness.

Can I play roulette with ZAR at WildTornado?

Absolutely. At WildTornado, you can deposit, play, and withdraw using South African Rand (ZAR). This makes managing your bankroll simple and saves you from dealing with currency conversion fees. You can get started by checking out our latest promotions.

All casino games involve risk. Please play responsibly and only bet what you can afford. You must be 18 or older to play. All offers are subject to terms and conditions. If you feel you need help with your gambling, please contact the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation at 0800 006 008 or visit their website here.

Your 2026 Roulette Payouts FAQ for South Africa

For a full roulette explained overview, where can I find a roulette payout guide covering the roulette game, all roulette bet types like inside bets and outside bets, how to play roulette, a roulette payout chart and roulette odds chart for American roulette, European roulette, and french roulette, the best odds in roulette, tips on betting strategy and any good roulette betting system, how to calculate roulette payouts and calculate odds in roulette, understanding gambling odds, house edge, and expected value for potential payout and potential winnings, info on casino games like slot games, and practical details on minimum bets, maximum bets, deposits, withdrawals, the welcome bonus, and responsible gaming for real money roulette and winning scenarios?

A: This guide covers everything you need to start playing smarter. The most important roulette tips are to always choose European roulette to lower the house edge. You should also match your bets to your bankroll, sticking with outside bets for longer sessions. The best roulette strategy is simply good bankroll management and playing for fun.

Can I play online roulette using ZAR at WildTornado?

A: Yes, you can absolutely use South African Rand here. We support ZAR for all your deposits, wagers, and withdrawals on our casino games. This makes managing your bankroll much simpler. You also avoid any pesky currency conversion fees, so you keep more of your roulette winnings.

How do I calculate a payout for a winning bet?

A: It is easy to calculate your total return. First, multiply your bet amount by the payout odds. Then, just add your original bet back to that amount. For example, a R10 straight up bet with 35:1 odds gives you (R10 x 35) + R10, for a total return of R360.

What are the best bets for a beginner to make?

A: If you are just starting out, sticking to outside bets is a great idea. These wagers include options like Red or Black and Odd or Even. While they have lower payouts of 1:1, your odds of winning are much higher at nearly 50 percent. This allows you to enjoy longer playing sessions and get a feel for the roulette wheel.